The common observation when acids react with metals is the generation of hydrogen gas, as acids donate protons to metals, resulting in the release of hydrogen gas.
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When acids react with metals, a common observation is the evolution of hydrogen gas. In this reaction, the metal displaces hydrogen ions from the acid, forming metal salts and liberating hydrogen gas. The general equation for the reaction is:
Metal + Acid → Metal salt + Hydrogen gas
For example, when zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride is formed, and hydrogen gas is evolved:
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
The effervescence or bubbling observed during such reactions is due to the release of hydrogen gas.